ThinKom and KSAT Join Forces to Advance Next-Generation Satellite Ground Station Technology

Image credits: Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT)

ThinKom Solutions Inc. (ThinKom) and KSAT have announced a strategic partnership to develop a new receive-only ground station solution designed to boost global network capacity and operational efficiency.

The collaboration combines ThinKom’s leadership in active phased array antenna systems with KSAT’s unmatched expertise operating the world’s largest ground station network. Together, the companies aim to accelerate the deployment of flexible, high-performance ground infrastructure for the rapidly expanding satellite market.

At the core of the project is a Ka-band version of ThinKom’s scalable Digital Array, built on the company’s patented Ultra technology. This active phased array design delivers ultra-wideband operation without beam-walk, ensuring the high instantaneous bandwidth required for Earth observation and remote sensing applications. With software-defined beamforming, the system supports multi-beam, multi-orbit, multi-constellation connectivity, offering dynamic adaptability to meet the challenges of proliferating satellite fleets.

“ThinKom’s Multi-Beam Digital Arrays set a new standard for efficiency and scalability—combining high aperture performance, low power consumption, and a compact, lightweight design,” said Bill Milroy, CTO of ThinKom. “KSAT’s operational excellence makes them the ideal partner to bring these innovations into the ground station domain.”

The demonstrator model features modular Ka-band antenna units for streamlined installation and reconfigurability, supported by a digital beamformer that enables real-time satellite handoffs, simultaneous links, and aperture combining.

“At KSAT, we are committed to driving innovation and strengthening the efficiency of our global ground station services,” said John Heskett, CTO of KSAT. “Phased array solutions have long promised significant benefits, but few have met the rigorous requirements of Earth observation tracking. Partnering with ThinKom allows us to take this technology to the next level.”

KSAT will evaluate the system’s multi-beam capabilities in collaboration with the NOAA Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) Program, with testing set to take place at ThinKom’s headquarters in Hawthorne, California. Future plans include expanding the gateway technology into multi-band, mobile, and portable configurations, opening the door to new deployment models worldwide.